When storms hit and floodwaters rose Saturday night, the Columbia Police Department had a new way to help get supplies and equipment to officers: a recently donated Humvee.
Looks Great Services gave the military utility vehicle, and restoration work was completed by other local businesses.
On Wednesday, they dedicated the vehicle and encouraged others to help the department outfit it. Police Chief Michael Kelly called it a “real blessing” and said it would help fulfill his vision to build a search and rescue team to respond to any hazard the community might face.
Kristian Agoglia, owner of Looks Great Services, said it’s been a privilege to be a part of the effort.
“There was a need and we had this vehicle; we were in the right place at the right time,” he said. “We realize that the vehicle as-is is not really equipped to serve the community, so we reached out to a couple of other companies in the area and a lot of companies have graciously donated supplies and things to get it working. It’s been a team effort so far. There are other companies that might have resources that are in their field of business that they could help equip this vehicle. You never know when the vehicle might be helping you, your family or loved ones or somebody you know. We’re a small community and I’m sure people will be affected by this one way or another.”
Walter Brown from J-Flame Kustoms refinished the seats, Southern Tire Mart donated tires and Nik Ingram of Relevant Design is outfitting the vehicle with lettering.
Ingram said the cool thing about the situation has been that both large businesses like Looks Great Services and smaller firms like his can get on board to help.
Kelly said they can use the humvee for search and rescue, public relations events and, most importantly, being able to get to people where a conventional vehicle won’t work. He said the vehicle and team will also be available in Marion and surrounding counties.
It got its first use during Freedom Fest when police did a survey to see what streets were flooded. The chief said they found two stranded officers and were able to pull up to them. “It saved the day, really,” he said.
Challenge issued
Looks Great Services is challenging other Columbia businesses to step up and help the Columbia Police Department with its equipment needs after it donated a humvee. Chief Michael Kelly’s wish list includes more than $30,000 worth of items for the vehicle and search-and-rescue team:
• Winch bumper - $1,200
• Warn 12,000-pound winch - $1,500
• Go Light - $1,600
• Emergency Equipment (lights/siren) - $5,000
• Doors - $3,000
• Set of four vinyl seats - $1,300
• 24V solar battery charger/maintainer - $290
• Recovery kit (winch, straps, pulleys, etc.) - $400
• 24V to 12V converter - $200
• Achilles Fab 124 inflatable rescue boat - $5,650
• 15hp Yamaha electric start motor with prop and tank - $4,050
• Galvanized boat trailer - $1,375
• Miscellaneous rescue gear (rope, life vests, SAR packs) - $2,500
• Motorola police radio - $3,500
• Rechargeable flashlights - $800
Pictured Above: Columbia police display their newest vehicle, a Humvee, Wednesday and thank those who made it possible. From left are Walter Brown, Chief Michael Kelly, Deputy Chief Rita Pickering, Logistics Officer Steven Palmer, Nik Ingram and Kristian Agoglia. | Photo by Mark Rogers
